By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma,
`Dont scatter your sand until you mold your blocks, is an adage employed recently by a foremost entrepreneur, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, to strongly tell female creative professionals to save money and create wealth for the rainy day.

The occasion was Women in Entertainment Wealth Management Series organised by FirstBank to educate and encourage women in the entertainment industry on the need to build wealth.

It was a gathering of celebrities such as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha and Ufoma McDermott at the Victoria Crown Plaza on Victoria Island, Lagos.

FirstBank organised the event to serve as a tool to help the professionals to manage their incomes more effectively in peak and off peak seasons.

According to the bank, the event was borne out of the need for wealth creation and management, especially by the creative female professionals.

FirstBank says it seeks to provide the women with the principles of wealth management, investment and savings through its female proposition product, FirstGem.

FirstGem, an account designed specifically to meet financial needs of women was officially launched in December 2016.

It was designed to suit women from age 18 to achieve their financial goals and aspirations and encourage more women to save to be able to invest and build personal wealth.

Since the launch, the initiative has encouraged over 10,000 women to actively build a healthy savings culture, according to the organisation.

Awosika, the Chairman of First Bank Plc, sensitised participants at the Entertainment Wealth Management Series to the need to be disciplined to make a difference in their profession.

Awosika, also the Convener of the wealth management series, says wealth creation is about setting goals, priorities and right principles.

According to the entrepreneur, who spoke on The Anatomy and Mindset of Wealth, there is time and season for everything including time for savings and wealth creation.

Dont scatter your sand until you have molded your blocks, Awosika advises women.

She notes that FirstBank created FirstGem in recognition of the importance of women in driving socio-economic growth and change.

According to her, the initiative has encouraged more than 10,000 women to actively build a healthy saving culture.

The chairman is convinced that savings culture will lead to investment culture.

Awosika is of the opinion that investment culture will avert spending without planning.

She promises that FirstGem will also give access to soft loans (business and personal), annual medical and health programmes, and leadership trainings on women empowerment to be sponsored by First bank.

The entrepreneur emphasizes the need for women to separate needs from wants for enhanced wealth creation.

She urges that women should not engage in frivolities and should know that they cannot afford everything they want.

Even if you have all the money in the world and have not developed the habit of living within certain rules, you will still go broke.

This is why a footballer, basket baller and athlete can earn and accumulate millions of dollars but can still go broke, few years after retirement.

Plan for what you can see, dont plan on what you are expecting, Awosika urges.

Dr Remi Banjoko, Chief Executive Officer, dkbMarkets Ltd., who spoke on Roadmap to Wealth Creation,believes that wealth could be guaranteed by inheritance, ideas and right investment.

Banjoko is convinced that artistes can go bankrupt due to overspending, lack of finance knowledge, poor investment decision and hanging out unnecessarily.

According to him, 60 per cent of adults globally are financial illiterates.

Financial literacy is key for generational wealth, he says.

Banjoko lists seven steps to generational wealth to include knowing how to value money, control money, save money and invest money.

He says the others are knowing how to make money, shield money and share money through charity, mentoring and encouraging people.

He is of the opinion that prosperous people earn compound interest, while poor people pay compound interest.

On long-term investment, controlling and saving money, Banjoko advises investment in fixed income securities,stock market, currency market or foreign exchange market as well as commodity.

According to him, understanding ones investment risk is essential before embarking on any investment.

Banjoko advises investors to widen their investment across a variety of different asset classes and geographical regions by diversifying across shares, bonds andproperty, among others.

This, he believes, will reduce the impact of price change in any of the asset classes on the overall value of their investment portfolio.

He wants artistes to harness their expertise through other streams of income such as screen writing, creative content, establishing internet TV channels such as Iroko TV, establishing film production companies and branding.

One of the participants and a renowned actress, Mrs Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, says many entertainers are investors.

Most of us are investors and creative minds; we live the life.

Cutting down on certain expenses is like cutting out our skins, but personally, I dont go out much; the realistic reason is I cant afford it.

I cant afford the time. I cant afford the expenses. I cant buy a dress for an event knowing I can only wear it once.

Savings and investments have been a struggle and we need something especially for the creative industry because it is a complex business and practicalising savings is complex in our industry.

When others are struggling with just paying bills. We are struggling with paying bills and showing up.

Analysts call on women and all Nigerians to imbibe savings culture and take advantage of relevant products and programmes to create wealth to prepare for the rainy day. (NANFeatures)

Source: NAN

The second day of the grand opening of The Dome Abuja, was a night of fun and razzmatazz for Abuja revelers as Popular Nigerian afro high life musician, Flavour Nabania graced the stage with his scintillating performance.

The activities lined up for the second day Saturday, included a Celebrity Bowling Challenge predominantly made up of the ex-Big Brother housemates, with Rico Swarvey winning the bowling challenge with a return ticket from Turkish Airline for a trip to any part of the world.

Some of the BBNaija housemates at the event included Miracle, BBNaija Winner, Tobi, Alex, Ahneeka, Vandora, Princess and Nina.

Rico Swarvey revealed to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bowling is one of his favorite recreational activities and urged more cities to create more entertainment and recreational centers like the Dome.

We need to take leisure and relaxation to another level. This Dome project is a good step, the bowling alley is great, and more cities need to develop amusement arcades.

The event was part of a 3-day opening ceremony that kicked off on Friday with The Vice President Yemi Osibanjo cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of The Dome.

Other artistes including Falz and Dj Spinall were some of the biggest name from the entertainment industry to lead the Saturday lineups.

They thrilled the Dome crowd who were eager to see the reopening of the renowned entertainment center for some time now.

Flavour and his band rocked the stage with Nwa Baby, Adamma and Oyi from his Uplifted album, also thrilling the crowd with Ijele from his 2017 album titled Ijele The Traveller among other famous afro beat sounds.

Tomi Babajide a reveler, expressed her delight at the reopening of the entertainment center in Abuja.

For me, having flavor on the weekend line up was really befitting, Dome entertainment center is a special place for relaxation in Abuja, I am glad it has been reopened.

Chisom Ajua told NAN that the entertainment center is the best the city has at the moment.

The bowling alley is standard, having different forms of activities in one location is good for weekend relaxation.

The talented DJ Spinall showcased his talents with his DJ set while Big Brother Naija Double Wahala winner Miracle enjoyed a night of Afro beat songs with fellow housemates Tobi, Alex Rico and Vandora on stage.

The event continues on Sunday with famous actress Funke Akindele performing along side DJ Jimmy Jatt.

Source: NAN

Nigerian popular actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, aka Jenifa, has openly professed her love for children.

Jenifa who thrilled fans on Sunday evening at the Family Fun Day celebration at the Dome Entertainment Centre in Abuja, said: I love children.

Jenifa is Glo Ambassador and wife to My Life Hit crooner, JJC.

She came to the venue and went up the stage dancing to the Nigerian songs from the gigantic speakers of the disc jockey.

The comic actress also had a photo session with over 50 adults and children.

Similarly, some of the 2018 Big Brother Naija Double Wahala housemates, Alex, Tobi, Rico, Vandora Princess and Cee-C, also thrilled the audience at the show.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Willy-Willy of Wazobia FM Abuja, Alex and Rico jointly coordinated the children dancing session.

Over 120 children were at the centre to catch fun. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Oladapo Udom

Mr Frank Ikegwuonu,the Founder, Queen of Nollywood Reality TV Contest, South West Edition, says the competition is to showcase Nigerias vast cultural heritage to the outside world.

Ikegwuonu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that the TV contest would be organised and sponsored by The Queen of Nollywood Film Academy of Germany and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

According to him, 36 girls representing each state of the federation would feature in the competition scheduled for August.
The show is an acting competition where every contestant must have a basic knowledge of the Nigerian culture and language.

Each contestant representing each state will have to study the norms and values peculiar to the state which she is representing.

A good representation of the state will be an added advantage for the contestant to move on to the final stage of the competition, he said.

Ikegwuonu said that the top six finalists representing the six geo-political zones in Nigeria would be awarded certificates, cash prizes and crowned Queens of Nollywood 2018.

AGN will appoint at least one representative from each geo-political zone to supervise the screening and selection of the semi-finalists and the finalists for the contest, he said.

Ikegwuonu said that the first top three winners would be sponsored to any European country of their choice with a cash prize of N500, 000 each and N500, 000 as the acting contract sum.

Also, the Vice President, AGN, Southwest, Mr Tope Babayemi, said that the competition was a commendable idea because it would provide a platform for ladies to build a career in Nollywood.

The competition is relevant because it will add value to the entertainment industry and thrill our audience to a relaxing atmosphere after a hard days job, he said.

Babayemi said that AGN would be partnering no fewer than 20 major film producers both in Nigeria and abroad to ensure that the winners featured in films immediately after the contest.

Source: NAN

Juventus sealed a seventh straight Serie A title on Sunday and their 34th, after a goalless draw against ten-man Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Turin giants had needed just a point to officially seal another title and become the first team to complete the league and Cup double for four consecutive seasons.

Roma played the final twenty minutes a man down after Radja Nainggolan was sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Argentina striker Paulo Dybala.

It is the 34th Scudetto in Juventuss history.

Massimiliano Allegris side also won the Italian Cup in the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday with a 4-0 win over AC Milan.

With one game left to play Juventus cannot be caught by second-placed Napoli who are four points behind after winning 2-0 at Sampdoria on Sunday.

Eusebio Di Francescos Roma team had already sealed their Champions League place next season after Inter Milans 2-1 loss against Sassuolo.

Juventus had early chances with Edin Dzeko firing over, a Lorenzo Pellegrini right footer flying wide and Aleksandar Kolarovs free-kick hitting the side netting.

Paulo Dybala threatened early and broke through early in the second half after an Alex Sandro cross but the goal was disallowed because the Argentina striker was offside.

Nainggolan received two yellow cards in the space of five minutes and left Roma down to 10 men for the final 20 minutes.

But Juventus did not take advantage of their advantage although Dybala did have penalty appeals.

Source: NAN

Super Eagles coachGernot Rohr has named captain Mikel John Obi, defender Elderson Echiejile and Leon Balogun, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses in Nigerias 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

The list also includes Spain based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Joel Obi and John Ogu and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi.

Chelsea wingback Moses was Nigerias top scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals, while Captain Mikel Obi, Iwobi, Simon and Iheanacho weighed in with two goals each.

All invited players have been told to report at the Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo on Monday, 21May.

Uyo, as home ground, was the conquering terrain for the Super Eagles during the qualifying series.

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)

: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (UD Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Beer Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Nwankwo Simeon (Crotone FC, Italy); Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars).

*Published by theNFF.com

Source: NAN

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)leading top scorer Junior Lokosa and Simeon Nwankwo are the new faces that graced the 30 man provisional list released by Gernot Rohr ahead of the World Cup.

Kano Pillars forward Lokosa recording 18 goals as at Match day 21 is getting his first call up as well as Crotone of Italy striker Nwankwo.

A quintuple of Leon Balogun, Wilfred Ndidi, Etebo Oghenekaro, Joel Obi and Tyrone Ebuehi who are recuperating from injury also made the lists.

The team is scheduled to take on DR Congo on May 28, before moving out to England to take on Three Lions in Wembley stadium on June 2 and Czech Republic on June 6.

Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho
Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Daniel Akpeyi
Dele Ajiboye.

Defenders:

Leon Balogun
William Troost- Ekong
Kenneth Omeruo
Brian Idowu
Elderson Echejile
Shehu Abdulahi
Ola Aina
Tyrone Ebuehi
Stephen Eze
Chidozie Awaziem.

Midfielders:

Mikel Obi
Joel Obi
Ogenyi Onazi
Mikel Agu
Etebo Oghenekaro
John Ogu
Uche Ago
Wilfred Ndidi.

Attackers:

Odion Ighalo
Ahmed Musa
Moses Simon
Victor Moses
Junior Lokosa
Simeon Nwankwo
Alex Iwobi
Kelechi Iheanacho.

Source: NAN

Embattled Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, who vowed to attend Tuesdays plenary of the senate in compliance with a court decision failed to turn up.

The Senate on April 2, suspended Omo-Agege (Delta-APC) over a dissenting comment on decision of the Upper Chamber on adoption of conference report on INEC Commission Act (2010) Amendment Bill.

Omo-Agege, however went to court to challenge his suspension and the court in its ruling, declared the action unconstitutional, saying that the Senate could not suspend a member beyond 14 days.

The Senate appealed the ruling but said in statement that while it was waiting for a stay of execution, it would not stop the lawmaker from resuming plenary.

Omo-Ageges suspension, which was expected to last for 90 legislative days, followed a report of the Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, had said the committees probe followed a Point-of-Order raised by Sen. Dino Melaye (Kogi-APC) on the matter.

According to Anyanwu, Melaye drew Senates attention to a media briefing by Omo Agege, faulting senates adoption of the conferences report on Feb.14.

He said that Melaye further intimated the senate that the media briefing by Omo Agege indicated that the resolution of the senate was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

His suspension was based on his comment that amendment to section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), bordering on reordering of elections sequence was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of Federal High Court on May 10, held that while the National Assembly had the power to discipline its erring members, the premise on which Omo-Ageges suspension was anchored was illegal.

Although the court refused to grant any of the seven prayers sought by the senator, it held that the suspension could not hold on grounds of the violence it did to the Constitution.

The judge noted that from the wording of the report of the Senates Ethics and Privileges Committee which recommended Omo-Ageges suspension, he was punished for filing a suit against the Senate after apologising to the legislative house over the allegation leveled against him.

Access to court is a fundamental right in the Constitution, which cannot be taken away by force or intimidation from any organ, the judge ruled.

The judge also added that the Senates decision to punish Omo-Agege for filing a suit against the Senate and for punishing him while his suit was pending constituted an affront on the judiciary.

He added that even if the Senate had rightly suspended the senator, it could only have suspended him for only a period of 14 days as prescribed in the Senate rules.

He also ruled that the principle of natural justice was breached by the Senates Ethics and Privileges Committee by allowing Senator Dino Melaye, who was the complainant, to participate in the committees sitting that considered the issue and also allowed him to sign the committees report.

The judge therefore nullified Omo-Ageges suspension with immediate effect.

He also ordered that the senator be paid all his allowances and salaries for the period he was illegally suspended. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Hajara Leman

The police in Gombe on Tuesday charged 50-year-old Samaila Zakari at a magistrates court with raping and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter.

In the First Information Report, the police said Zakari of Deba town in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, committed the acts on May 2 and May 8.

The prosecution said that about 10p.m. on the mentioned dates, the accused took his biological daughter to his matrimonial room and had canal knowledge of her without her consent.

The prosecution further stated that the girl was currently carrying a two months old pregnancy for her father.

The prosecution said the accused committed incest and rape by his action contrary to section 390 and 282 of the Penal Code.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges before the magistrate, Mr Dorabo Sikam.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Baba Shekari, asked for the adjournment of the case to enable the police to complete their investigation.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 21 and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

Source: NAN

By: Hamza Suleiman

The Nigerian Army says on Tuesday it has lunched a new operation to totally flush out remnants of Boko Haram insurhents in the Lake Chad region.

Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai, disclosed at a press conference in Maiduguri that Operation Last Hold began on May 1, and has a target of August 31, to accomplish its mission.

Represented by Maj.- Gen. Abba Dikko, the Commander of Operation LAST HOLD explained that it was intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.

It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin general area. The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages,he said.

Buratai said that the Army was determined to consolidate on its recent gains in the ongoing push especially in the Northern most part of Borno.

Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State.

The end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect in northern Borno. This will pave way for the return of local administration and people to their responsibilities and communities.

According to him, The operation will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin.

Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps back to their communities,said Burutai.

Source: NAN